Felix Chamorro, founder and CEO of Drybreak, has made waves in the padel clothing industry through innovation and sheer determination. His brand, which boasts patented technology designed to keep athletes’ hands and foreheads dry during matches, aims to enhance player performance in ways never seen before. But Felix’s journey isn’t just about bringing new products to market; it’s a story of self-discovery, resilience, and a lifelong quest for entrepreneurial freedom. This in-depth look at Felix’s journey reveals the critical moments that shaped his career and how Drybreak is setting a new standard in the sports textile world.
An Entrepreneurial Spark from Childhood
Felix’s path toward entrepreneurship began in his childhood years. Unlike many of his peers, Felix had an early fascination with the world of business. As a youngster, he rented his scooter to friends and sold small services to neighbors, driven by a sense of freedom that came from earning and managing his own money. This early exposure to entrepreneurship wasn’t just a game for Felix—it was a sign of things to come.
This love for business persisted as Felix grew older. His next big step was enrolling at LEINN (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation), a university program that emphasizes hands-on business training. At LEINN, students are not just taught business theories but are also required to create their own companies from scratch.
Felix, along with his classmates, ventured into real-world business projects from the very first day. This program went beyond the confines of classrooms, as Felix traveled to places like Berlin, Costa Rica, India, and Seoul to conduct business, learn from diverse cultures, and engage with international markets. “It was more than just an education; it was a life-changing experience that made me mature faster and learn how to do business with people from all over the world,” Felix recalls.
Spotting the Gap in the Padel Market
In the world of padel, a fast-growing sport similar to tennis but played on smaller courts, Felix saw an opportunity that most others missed. While padel gear had improved significantly over the years, there was little focus on clothing innovation. Felix noticed a common problem among players: excessive sweating during games, which compromised grip and performance. This inspired him to start Drybreak, a brand focused on enhancing performance through functional sportswear.
Felix’s vision was clear to create a clothing line that would solve a practical problem for athletes. With a modest initial investment of €8,000, he faced the challenge of building a team without sacrificing too much equity. This balancing act was crucial, as Felix wanted to retain control of his vision while also ensuring he had the right talent to bring it to life. “Starting a company with only €8,000 was a significant challenge. But the real struggle was forming a strong team without losing too much equity,” he reflects.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The early days of Drybreak were marked by both enthusiasm and challenges. With limited resources, Felix focused on building a strong foundation for the brand. He introduced a patented technology within the clothing that allows players to dry their hands and foreheads during games, ensuring better grip and enhanced performance. While this innovation was well-received by athletes, Felix faced initial difficulties in scaling the business. Securing investment was a major hurdle, but Felix’s persistence paid off as he managed to attract investors who believed in Drybreak’s potential.
Felix identifies this achievement as one of his most significant milestones, as it provided the resources needed to expand Drybreak’s reach. “Getting investors to believe in us was crucial. It wasn’t just about the money; it was validation of our idea and a boost to our confidence,” he explains.
Why Felix Chose Entrepreneurship Over Traditional Jobs
Felix’s decision to pursue entrepreneurship wasn’t just about launching a business; it was about creating a life on his own terms. Influenced by his father, who worked long hours in large international companies, Felix realized he wanted something different for himself. “My father was a big inspiration in shaping my career choices. He worked extremely hard, traveled often, and came home late. While I respected his dedication, I wanted to have control over my own time and decisions,” he says.
For Felix, entrepreneurship offered the freedom to decide when to work, when to travel, and when to spend time with family. This autonomy was—and remains—one of the core motivations behind his career path. “I always knew I wanted to be the owner of my time. I didn’t want others making decisions for me,” he adds. Felix’s story is a testament to the idea that entrepreneurship is not just about financial success but also about personal freedom and fulfillment.
Lessons Learned from Failures and Mistakes
Like many entrepreneurs, Felix has faced setbacks. One of the biggest mistakes he admits to making was investing in non-liquid assets that did not generate immediate returns. This decision limited his ability to reinvest in Drybreak’s growth. “Investing in things that were not generating money was one of my biggest mistakes. It left me with assets I couldn’t quickly convert into cash, which slowed our expansion,” Felix reflects. This lesson taught him the importance of strategic investments that directly contribute to business growth.
Another significant lesson for Felix has been the value of collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of working “hand in hand with the best,” as this approach has led to better results and stronger relationships. “When you work with people who are the best at what they do, everything becomes more successful and easier,” he notes. This realization has shaped his approach to building teams and partnerships, ensuring that Drybreak continues to operate at the highest level.
Pushing Drybreak to New Heights
Today, Felix is focused on expanding Drybreak’s presence in Latin America and the Middle East. His current priority is finding new investors who share his vision and can help the brand establish itself as the leading name in padel sportswear. “Our goal is to introduce Drybreak in different countries, working with the best to make it a recognized brand worldwide,” Felix shares. This aligns with his long-term career objective of becoming the top padel brand centered on innovation.
Felix’s approach to growth isn’t just about increasing sales; it’s also about creating a positive work environment. He believes that true success is not only measured by numbers but also by happiness and job satisfaction. “Success for us is being happy while we work and making our investors proud to be part of Drybreak,” he explains.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
If Felix could offer advice to his younger self, it would be simple: don’t start a business alone and focus on building a strong team from the beginning. He also stresses the importance of making strategic investments that generate returns. As he puts it, “Never invest money in something that doesn’t have the potential to generate as much as your business can.”
As for his legacy, Felix hopes to be remembered as the entrepreneur who changed the sports textile industry. He envisions a future where Drybreak’s patented technology becomes the standard for athletes, improving their performance and comfort. “I want to be remembered as Felix Chamorro, the entrepreneur who revolutionized the sports textile industry by focusing on improving players’ performance through innovative clothing,” he concludes.
Felix’s journey, from childhood ventures to leading a pioneering sportswear brand, showcases the power of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to making a difference in the sports world. His story is a reminder that innovation often comes from those who are not afraid to take risks, learn from mistakes, and continuously push boundaries.
